skip to main content

Furniture Design Dilemma Porches & Decks

umbrella for rooftop deck

10 months ago

I need an umbrella for my rooftop deck. The house is 3 floors so it’s not short. I’m really worried about wind and the umbrella flying off the deck and hurting someone.
Obviously we would close it when the wind is bad or if we weren’t up there but what would be the best option? I found an umbrella with a base of 275lb or would 400lb be better. I was hoping to have one that is 13ft wide. Thanks!!

Of note: while I would love a pergola it’s not in the budget right now. And a sail cover wouldn’t work since the pilot house isn’t very large

A picture of the patio I would like to sit on without having heatstroke

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Lyn Nielson
10 months ago
can you mount a crank out awning?
millworkman
10 months ago
The base is one thing but what sort of wind will the umbrella itself withstand?
Related Discussions
Recommend decking for Chicago rooftop deck
Q
Comments (20)
Perfect, makes sense now. Looking around at my neighbors to see what they are doing since 2 are building decks right now. One is running 2x4 stringers flat sitting on little pink foam pads and the other is setting crazy thick stone tiles on bison deck supports. Your way sounds the most solid, though. For screws, do I need to go with 1 5/8" SS screws? I'd like to use the brown headcotes because the smartbit looks pretty idiotproof for a guy like me, but I understand that these are only in 2 1/2" lengths? I'm worried about screwing into the roof with the 2 1/2" screws at the lower spots. Then again I'm worried that the 1 5/8" might not be long enough if I end up going with 5/4 ipe (plus I'd have to use 2 bits for the drill/countersink unless theres some other tool out there). 2" seems like it would be perfect but I've never seen the pros on here discussing any 2" SS screws. Any recommendations? I don't want to plug, just facescrew flush with colored screw heads to blend in.
...See More
Advice on outdoor fabrics for rooftop deck
Q
Comments (2)
Sunbrella and a few other companies make really great outdoor fabrics. Are you specifying your own fabric for the Shade Sail? I have a white umbrella with Sunbrella fabric (I have the Sunbrella Shade fabric in Natural). It has held up for over 4years with no wear. One of the advantages is that I can also remove the fabric from my umbrella and wash it in the washer (I have a front loader). You may also want to consider marine grade fabric from Sunbrella. This is what I have as the Grill cover. It looks new after 2 years of constant use. There are other manufacturers of really tough quality outdoor fabrics but the price points are higher than Sunbrella. Good luck!
...See More
Need Rooftop Deck Fencing ideas
Q
Comments (10)
As others have said, code first. Beyond that, what do you want your rail to do? Other than the obvious be safe and up to code. Be open and light like the old one? Do you wish it was taller or had some more screening effect for privacy? Do you happen to know how much weight your third story deck can handle? You might have some weight limitations to consider too when picking out materials.
...See More
Options for garage rooftop deck
Q
Comments (2)
Our deck had tall sides built on to the wood platform of the deck, not directly on to the roof. High sides helped with wind. Our deck was there when we bought the house. We had a trap door put in to be able to rake out leaf muck. A lot of leaf and dirt debris caught between the roof and the elevated deck - despite chicken wired sides aimed at prevention. It got wet during rain but had little ability to evaporate and turned into a compost of sorts, which is extremely heavy. We rented a house where a dead rodent was trapped under the deck. Horrid smell. Build in access.
...See More
Ashwini Reddy
Original Author
10 months ago
An awning off the pilot house wouldn’t cover the seating area unfortunately
Ashwini Reddy
Original Author
10 months ago
I feel like I just wouldn’t be outside if it’s terribly windy so I would just close the umbrella. My worry is that the base wouldn’t be strong enough to hold the entire thing down. I guess I’m just thinking of my friend’s umbrella that we borrowed that only had 30lb weights on it and I thought I was going to die when the umbrella started tipping over
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
10 months ago
You can secure a sun sail on your terrace.

There are all types of retractable awnings.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
10 months ago
I worked in a palce with aroof top patio and no way could we keep the umbrellas from getting airborne even when the base was really heavy the wind would get the unbrella spinning in the stand and then the screw holding the umbella would break and off the umbrella would go. We finally did sails at least when they tore loose no one was injured . I would do ails and I agree there are always ways to attach them . I love roof top terraces but they do present issues for sure . You could do some of those heavy stands with posts to attach the sails to and that IMO would be the best do the sails out of solar shade material so that the wind can go though I think that would work
rlillich
10 months ago
Look into Tucci umbrellas (Restoration Hardware carries them). They are crazy expensive, but, they are extremely well constructed and have different base plates, including bolt down versions which may suit your rooftop location.

Related Stories

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Stunning Rooftop Deck Tops a Totally Remodeled Home

By Mitchell Parker

An overhaul of this Berkeley home includes new landscaping, a sunny home office, 2 bedrooms and a rooftop entertainment space

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Houzz Call: Show Us Your Great Patio, Deck or Rooftop!

By Becky Harris

Give your patio a chance at the spotlight as we head outdoors for a new summer ideabook series

URBAN GARDENS Create a Lush Rooftop Terrace With These 9 Design Tricks

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

You’d hardly believe these peaceful gardens are in the heart of the urban jungle

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Discover an Intimate Garden Nestled on a Manhattan Rooftop

By Annie Thornton

As rare as a taxi on a rainy day, this New York City escape balances privacy with a gentle embrace of city sights

URBAN GARDENS Once a Barren Rooftop, Now a Serene City Getaway

By Bonnie Monte

An outdoor shower and dining area atop a Manhattan penthouse? Stop rubbing your eyes and start checking it out

REMODELING GUIDES Inspiring Designs for Rooftop Living

Glassed-in popups and rooftop decks expand living space in the city

MORE ROOMS Remember the Rooftop

By Shawn Gauthier

A well-dressed roof deck can instantly expand your living area. Here's how to make this space the crowning glory of your home

URBAN GARDENS 9 Urban Gardening Tips From Hong Kong Rooftops

By Alexandra Lauren Interior Design

Create a refuge from city chaos with these ideas gathered from rooftops as practical as they are picturesque

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Double Take: Bizarrely Beautiful Spires Bloom on a Vancouver Roof Deck

By Becky Harris

Did alien-looking plants in deviant colors land in this Canadian rooftop garden? Come in for a closer look

SHOP HOUZZ Highest-Rated Umbrellas by Hue

Shield your deck with the shades of summer

0

Sponsored

More Discussions

Hancock & Moore Architects Sofa

10

Designers, is this the exact same set or a lower quality dupe of RH?

3

Spare room help

1

New sectional/sofa, furniture layout for very large room

14

How do I identify what Crate and Barrel sofa ,chair and ottoman I own

0